A panel of businesses in Ipswich, known as the Town Centre Forum has applauded the first year of the Ipswich business improvement district run by Ipswich Central. The group of businesses drawn from a cross section of the levy payers provides a vital link between the operational team at Ipswich Central and stakeholder representatives.

The Forum has been informed of the highlights and successes of the first year – such as the Street Rangers, the exclusion notice, additional cleaning and safety, the independent business grant scheme and the establishment of initial systems. Plans are now in place for priorities for Ipswich Central’s second year which started in April.

Paul Clement, Executive Director of Ipswich Central said: “The Town Centre Forum provides us with a vital opportunity to talk with stakeholder representatives about the key learning points as we constantly strive to improve the work that we do and also to gauge the priorities for the future. The Forum's crucial role is to represent the wider stakeholders, to act as a 'sounding board' for the operational team, to operate as a consultancy body, and, now that we have moved beyond the initial 'set up' stage, to work with us on areas of improvement and added value.”

Chairman of The Forum, Dr Peter Funnell, Director of Enterprise and Executive Dean at University Campus Suffolk said: “I was delighted to be elected to chair The Forum. It has a crucial role to play in ensuring we get real value from the levy we pay, and that the services offered are of the highest quality. After one year of operation there is much to celebrate.”

In the Ipswich Central proposal that was adopted at the ballot stage, it was made clear that the Forum would be nominated in the first year and then reassessed annually thereafter, giving the wider stakeholder base the chance to join should anyone wish to. Current members are now being asked if they wish to continue and new applicants from a wide sectorial and geographic base are being sought. Vacancies exist from Independent retailers, St Peter’s Street / St Nicholas Street area, Tacket Street / Fore Street area, leisure and night-time economy and a major retailer. Email interest to enquiry@ipswichcentral.com